Gardening is a wonderful activity that people from all walks of life enjoy. A garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables and / or beautiful flowers can bring pride to gardeners and turn their backyards into colorful, peaceful breaks.
Anyone who is willing can create their own garden, and that includes people who are wheelchair bound. Wheelchair gardening can present some unique challenges, but such obstacles are no reason for wheelchair-accessible gardening enthusiasts to stay away from this rewarding activity.
In recognition of the challenges of wheelchair gardening, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation offers wheelchair-accessible gardening enthusiasts the following tips.
Adjust the garden to suit your skills
The Reeve Foundation notes that trying to push your limits can affect your gardening work. Fix issues that could affect the way you work in the garden, such as: B. the accessibility. For example, if the garden is far from the physical structure of your home, you may feel exhausted when you get into the garden, which can affect your productivity and progress. Before starting a garden, consider the potential for such problems, and then try to build a garden that will make it easy to overcome.
Look at raised beds
The Reeve Foundation recommends raised beds for anyone who works in a wheelchair in the garden. When designing beds like this, make sure they are narrow so that you can easily access them from your wheelchair.
Consider hanging baskets
Hanging baskets can also be a great option for anyone gardening in a wheelchair. Hanging baskets can be aesthetic inside and outside a home, and such baskets can be accessed with a pulley system that makes it easier for gardeners to prune and water plants.
Use special tools
Online medical resource Verywell Health notes that various manufacturers have recognized that there is a market for adaptive gardening tools. Such tools make it easier for wheelchair users to pursue their passion for planting. Adaptive tools like trowels, cultivators, and hoes can make it easier for gardeners to do all of the usual gardening tasks. Ergonomic adaptive gardening tools can help gardeners avoid joint pain that can result from the use of more traditional, non-ergonomic tools.
Make it a team effort
Gardening with a loved one can make the hobby even more enjoyable for everyone, including people who work in the garden in wheelchairs. Seniors can garden alongside their grandchildren and / or friends who also have mobility issues to make sure no one gets too tired or falls behind.
Everyone can enjoy gardening, and that includes wheelchair users.
For more information on living with paralysis, visit the Christoper & Dana Reeve Foundation at christopherreeve.org. (MC)
